District of Columbia law

Workers' Compensation Laws in District of Columbia.

The District of Columbia's workers' compensation system is a no-fault system — you do not need to prove your employer was negligent. Every employer with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Benefits include medical treatment, wage replacement at two-thirds of pre-injury wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Claims are administered by the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Workers' Compensation.

Last verified: 2026-02-26

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State law

Statute of Limitations

30 days (notice) / 1 year (claim)D.C. Code §§ 32-1513, 32-1514

You must give written notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury. A formal claim must be filed within 1 year after the injury or death. The employer must report the injury to the Office of Workers' Compensation within 10 days.

Exceptions

Occupational Disease — 1 year from knowledge of relationshipD.C. Code § 32-1514

For occupational diseases, the 1-year filing period does not begin until the employee is aware, or should have been aware, of the relationship between the disease and the employment.

State law

Filing Requirements

Notice to EmployerD.C. Code § 32-1513

Report the injury to your employer in writing within 30 days of the injury or within 30 days of discovering a work-related illness.

Claim Filing (Form 7A)D.C. Code § 32-1514

File a formal claim (Form 7A) with the D.C. Office of Workers' Compensation within 1 year of the injury or the last benefit payment.

State law

Key District of Columbia Statutes

Covered EmployersD.C. Code § 32-1503

Every employer in D.C. with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage is provided through private carriers, or employers may self-insure with approval.

Temporary Total Disability BenefitsD.C. Code § 32-1508

Temporary total disability benefits pay two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to an annual maximum ($1,808.66/week for 2025) and minimum ($452.17/week for 2025) set by the District.

Choice of PhysicianD.C. Code § 32-1507

Injured workers have the right to choose their own treating physician. However, changing the treating physician after initial selection requires prior approval from the insurance carrier.

Anti-RetaliationD.C. Code § 32-1542

Employers cannot discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing or intending to file a workers' compensation claim.

Medical BenefitsD.C. Code § 32-1507

The employer must provide all reasonable and necessary medical, surgical, and hospital treatment for work-related injuries. There is no time limit or dollar cap on medical benefits.

State law

Official Sources

D.C. Law Library — Code of the District of Columbia D.C. Department of Employment Services — Workers' Compensation

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.

Workers' Compensation Laws in District of Columbia.

Ask about a workers' compensation deadline, right, or next step.

Statute of Limitations

Filing Requirements

Key District of Columbia Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Other state law topics.